George Little: How to avoid, treat heatstroke

Thursday

Jul 21, 2011 at 12:01 AMJul 21, 2011 at 9:16 PM

In July 1936, temperatures in North Dakota reached 121 degrees (more than halfway to boiling). The soil temperature at the 4-inch level was 200 degrees. It may not be the summer of '36, but here's what you can do to avoid and to treat heatstroke.

George Little

It doesn’t matter if it’s the heat or the humidity –– it’s hot!

Even with the misery index soaring, these 90-degree days are balmy compared with the summer of 1936, which is the hottest U.S. summer on record.

In July 1936, temperatures in North Dakota reached 121 degrees (more than halfway to boiling). The soil temperature at the 4-inch level was 200 degrees. Dad talked about crops “burning up in the field.” It’s easy to see why.

Many all-time record highs across the Midwest were set in July 1936, as temperatures topped 110 in several places. In Springfield, Ill., for example, from July 4 through July 15, it was above 100 degrees every day.

Air conditioning was just a rumor for the average person. People slept on their porches because it was so hot inside. You could fry an egg on the dashboard of any car that was sitting in the sun. There was nothing to do but sweat it out.

This may not be the summer of ’36, but it still isn’t the best time to get down out of the wind somewhere, fire up the chainsaw and cut firewood. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are real threats to people working outside and to those engaged in outdoor recreational activities.

How to avoid heatstroke

Both heat exhaustion and heatstroke can affect people who are unaccustomed to being outside for prolonged periods in hot, humid weather. The symptoms of heat exhaustion can come on fast and may include profuse sweating, muscle cramps and cool, clammy skin. Many people get dizzy.

If you’re outside and experience any of those symptoms, grab some shade. Sit down and rest for 15 minutes, and drink some water as soon as you can.

You can head off heat exhaustion by taking rest breaks, even when you think you don’t need them. Take a water bottle or water jug with you. This isn’t the time of year to search for a cool drink when you start to feel lightheaded. Drink water before you start to feel thirsty.

How to treat heatstroke

Heatstroke is life threatening. Victims may become confused, begin to hallucinate or even lose consciousness. Their skin will be hot and dry. A heatstroke victim’s body will lose the ability to cool itself. This is serious trouble.

A heatstroke victim needs medical attention as soon as possible. Call 911 immediately. In the meantime, the victim should be moved to a cooler place, even if it’s only out of the sun, and given some water if he or she is capable of swallowing it. If you have anything you can use as a fan, get some air moving across the victim.

It’s hot outside, but you don’t have to hole up indoors as long as you’re careful. This may not be the summer of ’36, but it’s still hot enough to hurt you if you don’t pay attention.